Position Title:
General Manager – Human Resources & Learning & Development
Department: Corporate
Location: Papua New Guinea
Grade Level: Expat - Grade 2
Reports To: Chief Operating Officer – Corporate

Direct Reports:

National HR Manager (overseeing Payroll, Safety & Security)

Learning & Development Manager

Position Summary

As part of Ela Motors’ Senior Leadership Team and reporting to the COO – Corporate (who reports to the CEO), this role supports the development, alignment, and execution of the Company’s strategic vision. It plays a pivotal role in driving organizational success through a strong focus on people.

As GM – HR and L&D, the incumbent will be instrumental in shaping and leading the Company’s people strategy. This includes navigating complex change, engaging stakeholders, and solving problems to foster a high-performance, positive culture.

This is a hands-on leadership role that requires a pragmatic, high-energy approach—balancing strategic vision with operational execution. The role is accountable for building and implementing strategies that streamline HR operations, enhance service delivery, and drive performance.

To succeed, the incumbent must immerse themselves in understanding the operations of Ela Motors—spanning 16 dealerships and the head office in Badili—to design and lead a robust HR strategy that propels the organization into its next growth phase.

The Ela Motors Executive Team will rely on the expertise of this position to foster an engaging workplace culture, align people with strategy, build strong organizational structures, and ensure that learning and development remains best-in-class for years to come.

Success in the role will involve:

Gaining a deep understanding of the business

Developing a clear, future-focused HR and L&D strategy

Securing CEO endorsement

Leading implementation across the organization

ANZEN Accountabilities

Ela Motors is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees and visitors.

Leaders at Ela Motors are expected to ensure compliance with safety standards, including:

Taking reasonable care of their own health and safety

Ensuring the safety of others

Complying with ANZEN policies, procedures, and directives

As a senior leader, the incumbent is responsible for promoting and driving a culture of safety across the business.

Code of Conduct and Ethics

As a member of TTSPH with advisory and leadership responsibilities, the incumbent is expected to understand, follow, and promote the Toyota Tsusho Group’s Global Code of Conduct and Ethics (COCE).

Major Accountabilities

Strategic Leadership

Develop and implement a people strategy aligned with Ela Motors’ growth objectives.

Operational Excellence

Lead key HR functions including organizational design, workforce planning, and service delivery under a robust HR framework.

Team Development

Build and maintain a high-performing team that fosters innovation and continuous improvement (Kaizen).

Develop career pathways and succession plans for key roles.

Financial Stewardship

Oversee HR & L&D budgets and workforce planning; identify opportunities for efficiencies.

Technology and Innovation

Drive digital transformation initiatives to enhance service and support business goals.

Values-Based Leadership

Champion a culture grounded in the Company’s values.

Promote best-practice leadership to attract, develop, and retain high-performing employees.

Governance and Compliance

Ensure HR frameworks and processes are governed by strong compliance standards and quality assurance systems.

Maintain alignment with TTSPH Group, national laws, and industry standards.

Strategic Planning

Lead short-, medium-, and long-term HR strategies.

Design and manage a communication strategy to ensure employee engagement with the Company’s vision.

Budget Control

Monitor and manage HR & L&D expenses within approved budgets.

Cultural Development

Promote a workplace culture that values performance, engagement, and empowerment.

Leadership Development

Enhance leadership capabilities through targeted development programs.

Employee Relations

Collaborate with functional leaders to manage employee performance, conduct, and engagement.

Remuneration and Benefits

Oversee salary reviews, pay grades, and ensure compliance with remuneration systems.

Legal Compliance

Ensure compliance with PNG employment laws.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Financial:

To be confirmed (TBC)

Business Processes:

TBC

Learning & Growth:

TBC

Customer Service:

TBC

Competencies & Person Specifications

Proven leadership in contemporary HR practices, strategic planning, and change management

Strong financial and analytical skills

Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities

Proactive self-starter who drives performance through others

Demonstrated success in a senior management HR role

Cultural awareness and ability to influence at all organizational levels

Education & Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Resources, Economics, Commerce, or related field

In-depth knowledge of employee relations and employment law

Strong understanding of industry-specific HR practices and business strategies

Advanced problem-solving and critical-thinking skills

Outstanding interpersonal and management capabilities

Experience

Extensive senior leadership experience

Strategic human resources and organizational development knowledge

Project management skills

Work Environment

Primarily office-based, but the role requires regular travel both domestically within Papua New Guinea and internationally.